Best way to clean out old nasty Gas Tank

[sofob0909]

Anyone have any good results from a way to clean out old gas tanks.

I have a metal tank on the surtrek and a plastic tank on the attex.

Also when I put a magnet in the surtrek tank there was a TON of like metalic mud like sludge. It would stick to the magnet and come off that with my fingers like mud. What could this be? (I went in with the magenet 25+ times and everytime came out full.)


Also does anyone recommend any sort of tank sealer/ coating once I get the tank clean.

[trebmaster]

i would slosh some fresh gas around in it.

[sofob0909]

Why gas?

I have tried Purple power degreaser.

[wildbill335]

Whats wrong with a garden hose clean it out let it dry for a coupel of days and add fresh gas. Thats all we every do with older cars.

[sofob0909]

Whats wrong with a garden hose clean it out let it dry for a coupel of days and add fresh gas. Thats all we every do with older cars.

There is still a bunch of Crud in the tank. (^^^^ ALL the METALIC mystery stuff.) Which I really do not want in my origional engine.

Found this stuff called Red-Kote. Seems to be the best truff on the market, easy, and priced reasonably.

[MAX IV Mark]

I would do a search of electrolysis rust removal. I know a guy that uses it to clean out metal motorcycle gas tanks and says its the trick.

here is a short article on it.
Electrolysis for Rust Removal | eHow.com

[flippy]

I use a pressure washer then blow it out with compressed air.some old times told me they would put about 20 bolts or nuts in fill the tank halfway with hot water then put the lid on and shake like crazy-I prefer the pressure washer aproach.

[Mike]

If you will search the site there are a couple of threads on this same topic that will help you. Here are two to get you started:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/general-6x6-atv-discussion/12222-gas-tank-cleaning.html

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/general-6x6-atv-discussion/5654-gas-tank.html

[amphibious drew]

I like acetone and bolts. I've used it on several tanks with no problems and it dry's faster than water.

[mustangwagz]

Electroylisis works good, and my own little thing i like to do is Muratic acid, along with nuts and bolts inside, shake it up till the cows come home, then dump it out and look in at the shiny new surface. I WILL FOREWARN YOU...if the tank is thin, it may make it leak, but i've only had this happen one time.

[sofob0909]

anyone have any idea on the metalic stuff?

[famvburg]

I had an uncle who would put rocks in lawn mower gas tanks and leave them in the trunk of his car for a while. After rattling around he washed them out with water and let them dry.

[amphibious drew]

anyone have any idea on the metalic stuff?

Its probably rust dust.

[sofob0909]

Its probably rust dust.

hmmmm. is rust magnetic

[mustangwagz]

hmmmm. is rust magnetic

Yes, its still very magnetic.